Experiences of the U.S. Army Engineer District, Pittsburgh in Collecting Real-Time Water Control Data

As a result of an ever increasing need to optimize water use, 'Reservoir Regulation' has evolved into what is now known as 'Water Control Management'. In addition to the flood control aspects, national attention has increasingly been focused on the impact that reservoirs have on environmental conditions, water quality, water supply, hydropower and recreation. In order to effectively meet these demands and improve water control management, it was essential that a systematic approach be taken to enhance the District's capability to collect and manage hydrometeorological data in a Real-Time environment. Several years ago, the Corps began a very active program to have hydrometeorological and water resources data automatically collected and transmitted to Water Control computer systems. The data collection system chosen for the automation uses the GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) system. This system utilizes Data Collection Platforms (DCPs) in the field which transmit collected data to the GOES, which in turn transmits the data to an earth station known as a downlink.